Young people facing difficulties after leaving care are receiving much-needed support thanks to £2,000 worth of community grants from Tesco.
To reduce care-leavers’ stress and anger, and to improve their self-esteem and confidence, Alabaré Christian Care and Support began its Boots on the Ground Young People project.
To boost the project, the Wiltshire charity applied to Tesco’s Community Grants scheme, which awards funds to community organisations that make a positive difference to their communities, with £500, £1,000 and £1,500 available.
Alabaré Christian Care and Support received £1,500 for its Salisbury site and £500 for its Chippenham site, enabling the charity to further help the care-leavers in those communities.
Nicky Cushing, Grant Fundraising Manager at the charity, said: “We’re very grateful to Tesco for this important funding. The majority of the care-leavers we support are 16-20 years old. Care-leavers have a much higher rate of mental health difficulties than the general population, including a significant proportion who have more than one condition.
“Around half of mental health problems start before 15 years of age, and 75% before 18. Nine out of 10 children who have been abused or neglected at a young age will develop a mental health problem by the age of 18, and 65% of young people who have a mental health need are not currently receiving any statutory service support.
“Many care-leavers miss out on the outdoor experiences most children take for granted, such as family outings and holidays.
“This grant will help towards providing accommodation and activities to address our care-leavers’ needs. They need guidance and support to experience nature, access meaningful activity and to become positive contributors to their community.”
The Boots on the Ground project’s priorities are to reduce loneliness and isolation, encourage peer support and teamwork, increase motivation, resilience and aspiration, and provide volunteering and employment opportunities.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help groups such as Alabaré Christian Care and Support. Tesco Community Grants invites our customers to vote using their blue token for local schemes they feel are important to help our communities thrive, and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”
The Tesco Community Grants scheme is run in partnership with the Groundwork charity.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Tesco to provide these much-needed funds, which will help to support communities.”
To apply for a Tesco Community Grant, visit https://tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/
